RealGM

It seems there are a lot of players coming to the NBA this year. Rank them based on how you see them contributing this season. I am referring to those previously playing is European leagues last season not European born.

My guess from what I've seen:

Jonas Valanciunas
Mirza Teletović
Joel Freeland
Alexey Shved
Donatas Motiejūnas
Pablo Prigioni
Kyle Singler
Nando de Colo
Victor Claver
Chris Copeland

I'm sure I will be missing some. I'm most intrigued by Teletović and how Prigioni copes with the speed.

You're missing Chris Copeland, he isn't European(From NJ) but he played in Belgum that past 2 years.

Looks like he studied Melo's game a lot.. not that he is anywhere close to as good as him.. but I think he'll be an interesting guy to watch just due to the skills he showed in this video.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT9sLwsrCPI&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

I'm most interested in De Colo. Spurs are going to be fun to watch again.

Teletovic is an exciting signing, seems to be a better version of Ryan Anderson offensively, but without the rebounding.

DarkXaero wrote:Teletovic is an exciting signing, seems to be a better version of Ryan Anderson offensively, but without the rebounding.

Teletovic and Valanciunas will be the only 2 impact players from that list this year...

drejeronfire wrote:Teletovic and Valanciunas will be the only 2 impact players from that list this year...

+1

drejeronfire wrote:Teletovic and Valanciunas will be the only 2 impact players from that list this year...

I think Shved will be a contributer for the Wolves, too.

NovakZero wrote:

drejeronfire wrote:Teletovic and Valanciunas will be the only 2 impact players from that list this year...

I think Shved will be a contributer for the Wolves, too.

I think eventually Sheved, Singler, and Montejunas will all be contributors. But I expect Sheved in particular to experience some early growing pains.

How are the minutes going to work out in Minnesota anyway?

I think most of the guys will be decent. Freeland can play a Milsap like role. Only guy I really don't have any hope for is Claver who I just don't see as suited for the NBA (never heard of Coupland).

Jonas Valanciunas
Alexey Shved
Joel Freeland
Mirza Teletović
Victor Claver
Donatas Motiejunas

drejeronfire wrote:

NovakZero wrote:

drejeronfire wrote:Teletovic and Valanciunas will be the only 2 impact players from that list this year...

I think Shved will be a contributer for the Wolves, too.

I think eventually Sheved, Singler, and Montejunas will all be contributors. But I expect Sheved in particular to experience some early growing pains.

How are the minutes going to work out in Minnesota anyway?

I think it depends on Brandon Roy's health. Shved will probably split minutes at the 2 with Roy and whomever else, plus possibly a little time at the 3 when they're running a small ball lineup.

Valanciunas has the physical and technical tools to be a star in the NBA. Long, well rounded offense, good rebounder and exceptional FT shooter.
It might take him a year or two to adapt to the NBA rhythm but to me he will succeed in the league.

I'm not high on Teletovic.
Don't get me wrong. He is an exceptional 3PT shooter and scorer, but he offers little else and i don't think he can cope defensively in the NBA. I see him as an example of a big star in europe, whose game doesn't translate in the NBA.

Shved can be a very useful tool in Adelman's hands. Explosive player that can get to the rim, without any glaring hole in his game. I don't know if he can be a starter, but he'll definitely help.

Freeland will also be a useful player.

Can't wait to watch Valanciunas would be awesome if he turns out to be a great player for the Raptors.

I view Val as the best signing.. Teletovic as the second best while the rest is meh.. would be surprised if any other really cracked the rotation.

I'm just glad that there are no Dirk comparisons being thrown around in this thread (so far). Actually no, I tell a lie, they are usually good reading

Shved is easily the most talented and exciting to watch out of that bunch, but Euro guards in the NBA don't get anywhere close to the same opportunities that big men get, and Shved has always had some trouble with consistency, so it remains to be seen.
Valanciunas will take at least 2 years to develop to the point where he would be able to hold his own, the dude will get pushed around by everyone in his rookie year.

Who signed Copeland? He was a 4 here in Belgium, voted MVP of the league (not that that's a huge accomplishment in THIS league) but I can't see him matching up well in the NBA.

We will see what Val can do against NBA players in the Olympics

I'm seeing Val having a huge struggle rookie year with subpar % and/or big foul trouble. I'm not sold on him big that great of a NBA player in the future. Good player definitely yeah but great I don't think so but I might be wrong.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BchrCEZyVZs&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

Otherwise, I think De Colo has the potential to be the one who will be the most talked about. One day it will be all about how Spurs are just huge on draft selections and the next one you'll see Spurs fans wanting him to be dead